Valeria Dukelow donated this gorgeous poppy to Seed Savers Exchange in 2012. Valeria has grown it in Pittsburgh since the 1960s. She obtained the seeds from her mother, saying “Sarah Russ Chima was born April 28, 1902 in Copacel, Fagaras, Romania. Mother came to [the] U.S. when she was in her teens. I imagine she received the poppy seeds by mail from her mother Maria who remained in Romania.”

Learn to Grow it

Direct Seed: 1/4" Deep

Germination: 10-15 Days

Thin: 8-10" Apart

Light: Full Sun

Instructions - Direct seeding is preferable, as poppies do not like to have their roots disturbed. Sow seeds outdoors in the early spring when the soil is still cool and light frost is possible. Can also be sown in the fall just before the ground freezes. Plants will tolerate poor soil.